Pushing for domestic violence refuge

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan & North Meath, Niamh Smyth, organised and moderated a meeting recently to facilitate a discussion on advancing the delivery of a domestic violence refuge in Cavan-Monaghan with the various stakeholders.

Deputy Smyth explained: “It is unacceptable that there is no domestic violence refuge in Cavan-Monaghan. I was delighted to host a productive round-table discussion with all the stakeholders where we outlined the key steps that must be taken before progress can be made on delivering this facility on the ground.

“The scourge of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and its trail of destruction must be tackled immediately with victims protected and supported. We must deliver a safe haven that will allow the women presenting at the refuge the time and space to recover and plan their future. The provision of necessary wrap-around services especially for children are also essential in rebuilding their esteem and confidence from the trauma,” she said.

Acknowledging the various support services already available in the constituency, Deputy Smyth said these are over stretched.

“We urgently require a 24-hour refuge that offers safe and secure accommodation and support as evidenced in the Tusla accommodation review.

“I will continue to work with all the stakeholders to ensure this key project is delivered without delay as this has been a key priority of mine since elected to Dáil Éireann.”

A Tusla report published in February recommended eight dedicated refuge spaces be provided locally. As it stands spaces are found on a case-by-case basis, often in hotels or B&Bs.

Speaking before the Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality last month, CEO of Safe Ireland Mary McDermott said the provision of a refuge is just part of the solution: “Refuge is not the answer to domestic violence. That is the simple starting point.

“However, making that point is like saying that field hospitals are not needed in a war. We need refuges and we will probably always need them.”

She continued, saying there needs to be “better and stronger responses to domestic and sexual violence in the country”.